Ukraine and Russia: what is really going on?

Synopsis

In March 2020, this abandoned airfield north of the Ukrainian border remains desolate. By February 2022, it transforms as Russian troops gather, armed and poised for invasion. Russian military forces surround Ukraine from three sides: the north in Belarus, the east, and the south from the Crimean Peninsula. Amidst the tension, applause marks the warnings from Western officials about a potential full-scale attack on Ukraine's capital. The situation escalates as footage of the amassed Russian army circulates online, indicating a significant military buildup. Despite claims from Russia about pulling back some troops, the threat of invasion persists. Shashank Joshi, the Economist's defense editor, discusses the uncertainty surrounding Putin's intentions, suggesting that while an attack seems likely, a final order has not yet been given. The discussion highlights Ukraine's limited air defenses against Russia's overwhelming military capabilities, including air strikes and rapid troop movements.